Category: Blog

Blog, Press

“Our Candles Will Not Die”: 100 Days On, Imam Muhsin Hendricks Honoured

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

One hundred days after the brutal assassination of queer Imam Muhsin Hendricks, a sacred space was created in his memory—one that held grief, celebrated resistance, and dared to imagine a world where queer love and faith not only coexist but flourish.

Davis Mac-Iyalla, CEO of IDNOWA, was there in person as the Imam is personally known to him, and they have collaborated on several interfaith leadership spaces.

Full story can be found from MAMA Online – https://www.mambaonline.com/2025/05/29/our-candles-will-not-die-100-days-on-imam-muhsin-hendricks-honoured/

Featured Photo: A portrait of Imam Hendrick by artist Seth Deacon was unveiled during the powerful evening of reflection and resistance. (Photos: Daniela Zondagh)

Blog, Press

Statement by the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) to Mark International Day Against  Homophobia (IDAHOBIT 2025)

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

On the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2025, the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) stands in solidarity with LGBTQI+ individuals across the region and globally. This year’s powerful theme: “The Power of Communities,” reaffirm our commitment to fostering inclusive and affirming spaces within faith-based communities and beyond.

In West Africa, where LGBTQI+ individuals often face profound discrimination, stigma, and violence, the strength of supportive communities is not just a comfort, but a lifeline. IDNOWA recognizes the vital role that faith communities can play in either perpetuating or dismantling harmful narratives. We believe that true faith is rooted in love, compassion, and justice, values that must extend to all members of our human family, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

However, we cannot ignore the stark realities faced by LGBTIQ+ communities in our member countries. The likes of Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, Togo and others, such as:

  • Criminalization and Legal Persecution: In several West African nations, same-sex relationships are criminalized, leading to arrests, imprisonment, and severe penalties. This creates a climate of fear and forces LGBTIQ+ individuals to live in hiding, denying them basic human rights.
  •  Violence and Discrimination: LGBTIQ+ individuals are frequently subjected to physical and verbal violence, harassment, and discrimination in various settings, including families, schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
  • Lack of Access to Essential Services: LGBTIQ+ people face significant barriers in accessing healthcare, education, and other essential services due to
  •  Religious Intolerance: Misinterpretations and weaponization of religious texts fuel prejudice and hatred towards LGBTIQ+ individuals. This results in social ostracization, family rejection, and the denial of spiritual support.
  •  Increased Anti-trans Sentiment: There is a growing wave of hateful rhetoric and legislation targeting transgender people specifically.
  •  State-sanctioned Voilence: In some member countries, law enforcement participates in the harassment and assault of LGBTIQ+ individuals. This can include extortion, unlawful arrests, and physical violence.

“The Power of Communities” underscores the transformative potential of collective action. IDNOWA is dedicated to building bridges of understanding and acceptance within religious institutions, challenging discriminatory ideologies, and promoting dialogues that affirms the dignity and worth of every person.

IDNOWA calls on religious leaders, policymakers, and community members to join us in embracing the power of communities to create a world where everyone can live with dignity and respect. We must challenge harmful narratives, promote inclusive policies, and build bridges of understanding across lines of difference.

For this IDAHOBIT 2025, let us renew our commitment to building communities where love triumphs over hate, and where every person is celebrated for who they are.

Together, we are unstoppable.

Together, we are the power of communities.

Mr. Davis Mac-Iyalla 
Executive Director 
Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa. 

#IDAHOBIT2025

#ThePowerOfCommunities

Blog, Press

IDNOWA Celebrates Ghana’s Independence Day

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

On this special occasion of Ghana’s Independence Day, Idnowa joins the nation in celebrating the rich history, resilience, and spirit of unity that defines Ghana. As we mark the 6th of March, we honor the sacrifices made by our forebears and their unwavering commitment to the freedom and progress we continue to enjoy today.

Ghana’s journey of independence has been one of determination, courage, and collective effort, and we remain inspired by the nation’s growth and achievements. As Ghanaians celebrate this monumental day, we stand in solidarity with the people of Ghana and wish everyone a joyful and reflective celebration.

Happy Independence Day, Ghana!

Signed

Mr. Davis Mac-Iyalla

Executive Director

Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa.

Blog, Press

Statement by the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) on Ghana’s Upcoming Elections

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

Statement by the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) on Ghana’s Upcoming Elections on 7th December 2024

As Ghana approaches its general elections on 7th December 2024, the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) calls for a peaceful, inclusive, and transparent electoral process that upholds the dignity and rights of all citizens.

A Call for Peace and Unity
We urge political parties, candidates, and their supporters to prioritize peace and refrain from rhetoric or actions that may incite violence, division, or hatred. Ghana has long been a beacon of democracy in Africa, and it is imperative that this legacy is upheld during this critical period.

Respect for Human Rights
Elections should not be a platform for the marginalization of vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and LGBTQI+ individuals. We call on all stakeholders to promote messages of inclusion, unity, and respect for diversity. Hate speech, stigmatization, and the use of homophobia as a political tool have no place in a democratic society.

Fairness and Transparency
IDNOWA appeals to the Electoral Commission, security agencies, and all relevant authorities, to ensure that the electoral process is free, fair and transparent. Citizens must feel confident that their voices will be heard and their votes counted without intimidation or fear.


Engagement with Religious and Community Leaders
As an interfaith organization, we emphasise the role of religious and community leaders in fostering dialogue and encouraging peaceful coexistence. Let us use our platforms to unite communities rather than divide them.

Encouraging Civic Responsibility
We encourage all eligible voters to exercise their right to vote responsibly and without coercion. Participation in the democratic process is a cornerstone of active citizenship and a vital step toward shaping a more inclusive and equitable society.

Our Commitment
IDNOWA remains committed to promoting peace, human rights, and inclusion across West Africa. We stand ready to collaborate with civil society organizations, government agencies, and international partners to ensure a peaceful electoral process in Ghana.

Together, let us strive for an election that reflects the values of justice, equity, and respect for all.

Signed
Mr. Davis Mac-Iyalla
Executive Director
Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa.

Blog, Press

ILGA World Conference

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

The Executive Director and Members of Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA ) participated at the ILGA (the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association) World Conference 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.

The ILGA World Conference is the largest global gathering of LGBTIQ changemakers. They have held them since the early days of the organisation in the 1970s.

An ILGA World Conference is a chance to assess where our communities stand, share experiences and best practices, build alliances and partnerships, discuss the future of the movement, and collectively chart ways to advance equality worldwide.

ILGA World Conference is also where the life of the organisation is shaped. ILGA members elect their representatives, advance proposals and constitutional changes, and endorse new organisations to join our family.

ILGA World is queer democracy in action, and it all starts from ILGA World Conferences.

In his closing remarks, Davis Mac-Iyalla, IDNOWA Executive Director, said,

We can’t change the world in one week, but we can try to listen to each other and find strategies to change the negative attitude and discrimination towards us and our community.
We are stronger together in this struggle. Let’s not allow our enemies to divide us and set the ring for us to fight each other while they watch in jubilation.
As an African, my concepts for dialogue are always Ubuntu.”

About ILGA

On their website (ilga.org/) ILGA says,

ILGA World – the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association – is a worldwide federation of more than 1,900 organisations from over 160 countries and territories campaigning for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex human rights.

We want a world where the human rights of all are respected and where everyone can live in equality and freedom: a world where global justice and equity are assured and established regardless of people’s sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and sex characteristics (SOGIESC).

Established in 1978, ILGA World has ECOSOC consultative status at the United Nations.

Blog, Press

Liberia Methodist Church resist inclusion and diversity

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

Anti-homosexual protests storm Liberia United Methodist Church

Original story by Gloria Wleh from https://dubawa.org/anti-homosexual-protests-storm-liberia-united-methodist-church/

Liberia is a highly religious country with a Christian majority of 85% of the 5.2 million population. 

Article 14 of the Liberian Constitution provides for the “freedom of thought, conscience and religion and no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment thereof except as may be required by law to protect public safety, order, health, morals, or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.”

Some Christian denominations practised in Liberia are Lutheran, Baptist, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, United Methodist, African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zionists, and several Pentecostal churches.

An American-based Christian organisation called Set Free Alliance said the Methodist is the largest Christian denomination in Liberia.

The Methodist church is almost everywhere in the world and was derived from John Wesley‘s teachings, which posit that salvation must produce holiness of heart and life. 

At its most recent 2020\2024 general conference held in the U.S., the United Methodist reached a decision, removing from its Book of Discipline all language that restricts or singles out non-heterosexual people for disparate treatment, effective upon the close of the conference on May 3, 2024.

The church also made its clergy free to preside over same-sex marriage or union ceremonies where they are legal. The church said they are also equally free to choose not to do so. The church says it remains neutral and inclusive, saying, “Sexuality is God’s good gift to all persons.”

Since then, the United Methodist Church in Liberia has been characterised by claims and counterclaims of homosexuality being adopted in the church of Liberia.

Barely a few months after the conference, in June this year, a protest was staged against same-sex marriage in the Methodist church in Nimba County by people believed to be members of the church. The aggrieved members claimed the Resident Bishop of Liberia, Samuel Quire, is gay, and he is trying to infuse same-sex marriage in the church.

Also, on Oct 13, 2024, a simultaneous protest occurred in two United Methodist churches in New Georgia and 72nd communities. The protestants alleged that Bishop Quire suspended their pastors and replaced them because of their stance against homosexuality. They also alleged that a gay wedding was officiated by the bishop on that same day, at one of the churches.

In response on Oct 14, 2024, Bishop Quire said the allegation of him officiating a gay wedding came from the New Georgia branch but was false.  

He stressed that the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church would not conduct any weddings or ordination of homosexuals.

Bishop Quire explained that two of the pastors of the New Georgia branch and a clergyman of the 72nd were suspended because they disobeyed the church’s book of discipline. He said he could not reveal their exact offenses because they were administrative decisions.

The bishop said the pastors rejected the suspension letters and decided to continue pastoring their different churches, which disrupted their churches’ services.

He said the “United Methodist Church of Liberia is not a gay church, nor will it ever adopt such an identity.” He added, “They firmly uphold the definition of marriage as the sacred union between one man and one woman– nothing more and nothing less.”

Blog, Press

IDNOWA Visits France and Solidarite International LGBTQI

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

IDNOWA long time partner in France, the Solidarite International LGBTQI (SIL) extended an exchange programme leadership invitation to IDNOWA . 

The invitation was honoured by IDNOWA Executive Director, Program Officer and Gender/Youth Officer. 

Activities carried out during the visit included meetings with policy makers and non governmental organizations. Private meetings with diplomats from the French and European Foreign Office were also held. 

IDNOWA team also met and listened to the concerns of different groups of LGBT+ Asylum seekers in France. Many of them are frustrated and fear been sent back to the very country they are fleeing percussion due to discrimination and stigma against asylum seekers.   

Many who spoke to the IDNOWA team are not French speakers who, because of language barrier, don’t know where to go to access information and support. 

Blog, Press

Kano Cleric Apologises To Bauchi Gov’t Over False Claim On Homosexuality

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

Kano Cleric Apologises To Bauchi Gov’t Over False Claim On Homosexuality (leadership.ng)
A Kano-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abdullahi Gadon Kaya has apologised to the Bauchi State government over a misinformation he propagated during one of his recent preaching sessions where he claimed that homosexuals across the country converged in an undisclosed hotel in the state to commit sodomy.

He also alleged that the homosexuals rented the hotel at a whooping sum of N100,000,000 for a 10-day event.

However, renouncing the claim, Gadon Kaya said he was wrongly informed by someone in Bauchi State who called him on phone to inform him about the supposed gathering of homosexuals.

LEADERSHIP reports that the allegation generated uproar in the state, leading to the cleric’s invitation by the Bauchi State Shariah Commission to give evidence of the claim.

Following the invitation by the commission, Gadon Kaya came out in a viral Facebook video monitored by our correspondent on Wednesday, debunking his previous allegations.

According to him, security agents had conducted thorough investigations on the matter but found it to be false.

He begged the Bauchi State government and security agencies for the misinformation, stressing that he was misled by someone whose identity he declined to reveal.

“I apologise to the government of Bauchi State and the security agents; and I want to state that I did not mean to hurt anyone with that misinformation. In the course of preaching, one may say something correctly or incorrectly at times”, he said.

Davis Mac-Iyalla, Executive Director,  Interfaith Diversity Network said, “I am glad he has apologies after being found out for speaking dangerous rumours against the LGBT+ community and their allies but I believe he should have gone further to preach tolerance and inclusion. Many LGBT+ Nigerians have been violently attacked and some forced to flee the country as a direct result of fake rumours like this from religious and traditional leaders.  fearing for their safety and security. 

IDNOWA will continue to work with stakeholders and state actors advocating for the human rights and freedom of LGBT+ people in Nigeria, and West African in general.